Chip assembly for surgical instruments

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling device is provided. The surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly removably and selectively attachable to the handle assembly, and a loading unit removably and selectively attachable to the adapter assembly. The adapter assembly extends from the handle assembly for transmitting actuating forces from the handle assembly to the loading unit. The adapter assembly includes a connector assembly. The loading unit includes a shell member and a housing extending from an inner surface of the shell member. The surgical stapling device further includes a chip assembly disposed within the housing and moveable relative to the shell member to facilitate connection with the connector assembly of the adapter assembly.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments having a handleassembly and an end effector. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to a loading unit including a chip assembly for use with ahandle assembly.

2. Background of Related Art

Powered surgical instruments for use in endoscopic procedures are known.Typically, such instruments include a reusable handle assembly and adisposable end effector. An adapter assembly connects the end effectorto the handle assembly and is configured to transfer mechanical and/orelectrical forces from the handle assembly to the end effector. In thecase of a surgical stapler, the end effector includes a disposablecartridge or loading unit that is changed after each firing of thesurgical stapler. To reduce costs and shorten procedure times, thehandle assembly is generally configured for use with a variety ofloading units of various configurations for use on tissue havingdifferent properties, i.e., thickness, density. For example, differentloading units may have staples of different sizes and/or the staples maybe arranged in different configurations. To ensure the handle assemblyis programmed to operate with the attached loading unit, some loadingunits are provided with a chip that communicates the configuration ofthe loading unit to the handle assembly. Information regarding theconfiguration of the loading unit is automatically relayed to the handleassembly upon attachment of the loading unit to the adapter assembly(that has been pre-attached to the handle assembly). In this manner,when switching between loading units of different configurations theprogramming of the handle assembly is automatically accomplished.

Space within the loading unit is limited. In addition, improperalignment between the chip assembly located in the loading unit and theconnector assembly located in the adapter assembly of the surgicalstapler may prevent the information relating to the configuration of theloading unit from being relayed to the handle assembly. Suchmisalignment of the chip assembly and connector may result in less thenoptimal performance of the surgical stapler.

Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a loading unit for use with asurgical stapler, wherein the loading unit includes a chip assemblyconfigured to facilitate selective connection with an adapter assemblyof the surgical stapler.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention a surgicalstapling device comprises a handle assembly, and an adapter assemblyremovably and selectively attachable to the handle assembly andextending from the handle assembly. The adapter assembly includes aconnector assembly and is configured to transmit actuating forces fromthe handle assembly. A loading unit is removably and selectivelyattachable to the connector assembly of the adapter assembly, theloading unit including a shell member and a housing extending from aninner surface of the shell member. A memory chip assembly is disposedwithin the housing of the loading unit and is moveable relative to theshell member to facilitate connection with the connector assembly of theadapter assembly.

The chip assembly may include a chip member and a spring member. Incertain embodiments, the spring member biases the chip member radiallyinward. The spring member can include a leaf-spring for biasing the chipmember.

The housing may include a lip for retaining the chip assembly within arecess formed by the housing. The lip may define an opening forselectively receiving a portion of the chip assembly therethrough. Theshell member can define a cutout for radially loading the chip assemblyinto the recess formed by the housing. The housing can be configured topermit axial loading of the chip assembly within the recess formed bythe housing.

In certain embodiments, the chip assembly includes a plurality ofconnection protrusions configured to engage a plurality of connectionplates formed on the connector assembly when the loading unit isattached to the adapter assembly. In certain embodiments, the loadingunit is configured to be secured to the adapter assembly by a bayonetcoupling.

In certain embodiments, the chip assembly includes a chip configured torelay a configuration of the loading unit to the handle assembly. Theconnector assembly may be secured to a distal end of the adapterassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosureand, together with a general description of the disclosure given above,and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling device including aloading unit having a chip assembly according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of theloading unit of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a distal end of anadapter assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1,including a connector assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the loading unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial, longitudinal cross-sectional perspectiveview of a proximal end of the loading unit shown in FIG. 1 including anexploded view of a chip assembly according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a enlarged perspective view of the connector assembly shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional side view of theloading unit shown in FIG. 2 and the distal end of the adapter assemblyshown in FIG. 3, prior to attachment of the loading unit to the adapterassembly;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the indicated portion shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the loading unitand the distal end of the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 7, subsequentto attachment of the loading unit to the adapter assembly;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the indicated portion shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective end view of a loading unit and chip assemblyaccording to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a proximal end of theloading unit shown in FIG. 11 and an exploded view of the chip assemblyshown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the loading unit shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 and the distal end of the adapter assembly shown in FIG.3, prior to attachment of the loading unit to the adapter assembly;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the indicated portion shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional side view of theloading unit and the distal end of the adapter assembly shown in FIG.13, subsequent to attachment of the loading unit to the adapterassembly; and

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the indicated portion shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed loading units including a chipassembly will now be described in detail with reference to the drawingsin which like reference numerals designate identical or correspondingelements in each of the several views. As is common in the art, the term“proximal” refers to that part or component closer to the user oroperator, i.e. surgeon or clinician, while the term “distal” refers tothat part or component further away from the user.

With reference initially to FIG. 1, a surgical stapling instrumentincluding a loading unit having a chip assembly according to the presentdisclosure is shown generally as circular stapler 10. Circular stapler10 includes a handle assembly 12, an adapter assembly 14 selectivelysecurable and extending distally from handle assembly 12, and a loadingunit 16 selectively securable to a distal end 14 b of adapter assembly14. An anvil member 18 is releasably secured to circular stapler 10. Theadapter assembly 14 is configured to directly transmit and/or convert arotational force of each rotatable drive shaft (not shown) of handleassembly 12 into additional rotational forces and/or axial translationalforces useful for operating loading unit 16. A detailed description ofan exemplary handle assembly 12 and adapter assembly 14 is provided incommonly owned U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. No. 2012/0089131, the content ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Although the chip assemblies of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to a powered, hand-held, electromechanical surgicalcircular stapler 10, it is envisioned that the chip assemblies of thepresent disclosure may be modified for use with any instrument. Theloading unit 16 and/or adapter assembly 14 may be configured for usewith an electromechanical powered handle and/or console or surgicalrobot (having a remote power source and/or motor and/or integral orremote computerized control), in any of the embodiments disclosedherein. Other configurations are contemplated, such as, for example, aloading unit 16 attached to a shaft assembly that is not removable.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, loading unit 16 includes a shell member 20.A proximal end 20 a of shell member 20 is selectively securable todistal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14 of circular stapler 10. As shown,shell member 20 is secured to adapter assembly 14 of circular stapler 10with a slot and tab configuration known as a bayonet coupling. Inparticular, a plurality of tabs 22 extend radially inward from an innersurface 21 of shell member 20 and are configured to be selectivelyreceived in corresponding L-shaped slots 15 (FIG. 3) formed in distalend 14 b of adapter assembly 14. L-shaped slots 15 include an elongatedportion 15 a extending parallel to longitudinal axis “x” and a shortenedportion 15 b extending perpendicular or transverse to longitudinal axis“x”.

As will be described in further detail below, attaching of shell member20 of loading unit 16 to adapter assembly 14 of circular stapler 10includes advancing shell member 20 axially relative to adapter assembly14 such that proximal end 20 a of shell member 20 is received aboutdistal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14 and tabs 22 of shell member 20are fully received within elongated portion 15 a of L-shaped slots 15 ofadapter assembly 14. Once tabs 22 of shell member 20 are fully receivedwithin elongated portions 15 a of L-shaped slots 15, shell member 20 issecured to adapter assembly 14 by moving shell member 20 alonglongitudinal axis “x” (FIG. 9) relative to adapter assembly 14 such thattabs 22 are received within shortened portions 15 b of L-shaped slots15. Although shown as being connected using a bayonet coupling, it isenvisioned that shell member 20 and adapter assembly 14 of circularstapler 10 may be connected in any suitable manner. For example, loadingunit 16 may be selectively secured to distal end 14 b of adapterassembly 14 in the manner described in Chinese Patent Application SerialNo. 201310084378.X (Atty. Docket No. H-EM-00030 (203-9030)), the contentof which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, proximal end 20 a of shell member20 defines a cutout 23 and includes a housing 30 formed about cutout 23.Cutout 23 is configured to permit external loading of a chip assembly100 into a recess 31 formed by housing 30. Although shown having arectangular shape, it is envisioned that cutout 23 and recess 31 mayinclude alternative configurations.

Housing 30 includes a lip 32 formed about recess 31 for retaining chipassembly 100 within recess 31. (See FIG. 5). Lip 32 defines an opening33 for providing access to chip assembly 100 from within shell member 20when chip assembly 100 is received within recess 31 of housing 30.Housing 30 is positioned within shell member 20 such that, uponattachment of loading unit 16 to distal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14,chip assembly 100 aligns with a connector assembly 130 (FIG. 8) mountedto distal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14. As described above,attachment of loading unit 16 to adapter assembly 14 requires both axialand rotational movement of shell member 20 of loading unit 16 and distalend 14 b of adapter assembly 14 relative to each other. Thus, as will bedescribed in further detail below, housing 30 of loading unit 16 ispositioned within shell member 20 to align with connector assembly 130within adapter assembly 14 subsequent to axial and rotational movementof shell member 20 relative to adapter assembly 14.

With reference still to FIG. 5, chip assembly 100 includes a chip member110 and a spring member 120. Chip member 110 includes a base portion 112and a chip 114. Base portion 112 forms a planar member configured to bereceived within recess 31 of housing 30 formed on shell member 20. Aswill be described in further detail below, base portion 112 isconfigured to permit radial movement (i.e., toward and away from thecenter of the housing 30) of chip member 110 within recess 31 of housing30 to facilitate connection between chip assembly 100 and connectorassembly 130. Although shown having a substantially rectangular shape,base portion 112 may include any shape suitable for reception throughcutout 23 in shell member 20 and within recess 31 of housing 30.

Chip 114 may include any commercially available chip capable of storingthe specifications of loading unit 16, e.g., cartridge size, staplearrangement, staple length, clamp-up distance, production date, modelnumber, lot number, expiration date, etc., and transmitting at leastsome of the information to handle assembly 12. In one embodiment, chip114 includes an erasable programmable read only memory (“EPROM”) chip.In this manner, the configuration of an attached loading unit may berelayed to handle assembly 12 such that, for example, the firing forcesand/or the length of the firing stroke of handle assembly 12 may beadjusted to accommodate the particular loading unit 16. It is furtherenvisioned that instead of an EPROM, chip 114 may be a read/write memorychip, such as read/write RAM, such that data may be written to chip 114,for example usage information that a loading unit has been fully orpartially fired to prevent reuse of an empty or partially fired loadingunit, or for any other purpose. Such a chip may also store theinformation discussed above.

Chip 114 is sized to be received through opening 33 defined by lip 32 ofhousing 30 formed on shell member 20. Chip 114 includes a plurality ofconnection protrusions 116. As will be described in further detailbelow, connection protrusions 116 include a rounded profile configuredto facilitate engagement and alignment of connection protrusions 116with connection plates 136 formed on extension portion 132 of connectorassembly 130. It is envisioned that connection protrusions 116 mayinstead have a tapered profile or be otherwise configured to facilitateengagement and alignment with connection plates 136 formed on extensionportion 132 of connector assembly 130. As shown, chip 114 includes four(4) connection protrusions 116, however, it is envisioned that chip 114may include more or less than four (4) connection protrusions 116.

Still referring to FIG. 5, spring member 120 of chip assembly 100includes a support portion 122 and a biasing portion 124. Supportportion 122 and biasing portion 124 may be monolithically formed, asshown, however, it is envisioned that support portion 122 and biasingportion 124 may be formed as separate members. When formed as separatemembers, support portion 122 and biasing portion 124 may be joinedtogether using adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners or any othersuitable method. In some embodiments, biasing portion 124 remainsdetached from support portion 122.

Support portion 122 of spring member 120 is configured to be receivedwithin cutout 23 of shell member 20 such that biasing portion 124extends within recess 31 of housing 30. As shown, support portion 122defines a substantially rectangular member configured to be receivedwithin cutout 23. Support portion 122 may include any configurationsuitable for reception within cutout 23. Support portion 122 may befixedly secured to shell member 20 within cutout 23, e.g., throughfriction-fit, welding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners or by any othersuitable method. It is envisioned that support portion 122 may bereleasably secured to shell member 20 to permit replacement of chipmember 110.

As shown, biasing portion 124 of spring assembly 120 includes a leafspring 126 having a pair of leaf members 126 a. Alternatively, biasingportion 124 may include multiple leaf springs, one or more traditionalcompression springs, an elastic material, or any other means capable ofproviding a biasing force against chip member 110.

With reference now to FIG. 6, connector assembly 130 includes a baseportion 132 and an extension portion 134. As shown, base portion 132defines an opening 133 configured to receive a screw 140 for securingconnector assembly 130 to distal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14.Although shown including opening 133 for securing connector assembly 130to adapter assembly 14, it is envisioned that connector assembly 130 maybe secured to adapter assembly 14 in any suitable manner. Extensionportion 134 of connector assembly 130 includes a plurality of connectionplates 136. As discussed above, connection plates 136 correspond toconnection protrusion 116 formed on chip 114 of chip assembly 100. Asshown, connection plates 136 define substantially flat membersconfigured to engage rounded connection protrusions 116 of chip assembly100. Alternately, connection protrusions 116 may be formed on extensionportion 134 of connector assembly 130 and connection plates 136 may beformed on chip 114 of chip assembly 100. Connector assembly 130 ismaintained in electrical communication with handle assembly 12 (FIG. 1).

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, chip assembly 100 is operablyreceived within recess 31 of housing 30. In particular, support portion112 of chip member 110 is radially loaded within recess 31 of housing 30through cutout 23 formed in proximal end 20 a of shell member 20.Support portion 112 is retained within recess 31 of housing 30 byengagement with lip 32. When support portion 112 engages lip 32 ofhousing 30, chip 114 of chip member 110 is positioned within opening 33formed by lip 32 of housing 30 and connection protrusions 116 extendbeyond lip 32.

Spring member 120 of chip assembly 100 secures chip member 110 withinrecess 31 of housing 30. In particular, support portion 122 of springmember 120 is received within cutout 23 of shell member 20 such thatbiasing portion 124 of spring member 120 biases chip member 110 radiallyinward. Support portion 122 of spring member 120 is secured to shellmember 20 in the manner described above. As noted, it is envisioned thatsupport portion 122 may be releasably secured to shell member 20 topermit replacement of chip member 110. Biasing portion 124 of springmember 120 permits movement of chip member 110 in a radial directionwithin recess 31 of housing 30 to facilitate engagement and alignment ofchip member 110 with extension portion 134 of connector assembly 130.The chip is held in with the spring assembly. The leaf spring housingcan be held in with a press fit, welding, etc.

With reference still to FIGS. 7 and 8, connector assembly 130 is securedto distal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14 of surgical stapler 10 (FIG.1). In particular, base portion 132 of connector assembly 130 is mountedwithin distal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14 by screw 40 such thatconnection plates 136 formed on extension portion 134 of connectorassembly 130 align with connection protrusions 116 formed on chip 114 ofchip member 110 of chip assembly 100 when loading unit 16 is attached todistal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, chip assembly 100 operably engagesconnector assembly 130 during attachment of loading unit 16 to adapterassembly 14. In particular, and as described above, loading unit 16 issecured to distal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14 by first aligning tabs22 formed on proximal end 20 a of shell member 20 with elongatedportions 15 a of L-shaped slot 15 formed in distal end 14 b of adapterassembly 14. Shell member 20 and adapter assembly 14 are then axiallyadvanced relative to each other, as indicated by arrows “A” and “B”(FIG. 8), respectively, such that tabs 22 formed on proximal end 20 a ofshell member 20 are completely received within elongate portion 15 a ofL-shaped slots 15 formed in distal end 14 b of adapter assembly 14. Oncetabs 22 are completely received within elongated portions 15 a ofL-shaped slots 15, the locking ring bayonet lug is rotated relative toeach other about longitudinal axis “x-x”. Receipt of tabs 22 of shellmember 20 within shortened portion 15 b of L-shaped slots 15 selectivelysecures shell member 20 with adapter assembly 14.

Following receipt of tabs 22 of shell member 20 within elongated portion15 a of L-shaped slot 15 formed in distal end 14 b of adapter assembly14, chip assembly 100 and connector assembly 130 are axially aligned andradially offset from one another. As such, connection protrusions 116formed on chip 114 of chip member 110 of chip assembly 100 do not engageconnection plates 136 formed on extension portion 134 of connectorassembly 130.

Connection protrusions 116 formed on chip member 110 of chip assembly100 engage connection plates 136 formed on extension 134 of connectorassembly 130. As described above, connection protrusions 116 include arounded profile to facilitate engagement of connection protrusions 116with connection plates 136. Spring member 120 of chip assembly 100permits chip member 110 to move radially outward, as indicated by arrow“E” in FIG. 10, to further facilitate engagement of chip assembly 100with connector assembly 130. Once shell member 20 is secured to adapter14 such that connection protrusions 116 of chip assembly 100 align withconnection plates 136 of connector assembly 130, the biasing forceprovided by spring member 120 on chip member 110 biases chip member 110radially inward to maintain engagement between connection protrusions116 and connection plates 136.

As described above, in alternative embodiments, the attachment ofloading unit 16 to adapter assembly 14 of circular stapler 10 may beaccomplished by various other modes of attachment. It is envisioned thatthe placement of housing 30, and thus, chip assembly 100, within shellmember 20 may be adjusted to accommodate the various other modes ofattachment. In particular, since not all modes of attachment requirerotation of shell member 20 relative to adapter assembly 14, it isenvisioned that housing 30 may be positioned within shell member 20 suchthat chip assembly 100 aligns with connector assembly 130 upon rotatingshell member 20 relative to adapter assembly 14.

Once connection protrusions 116 of chip assembly 100 are operablyengaged with connection plates 136 of connector assembly 130, theinformation regarding the configuration of loading unit 16 that isstored on chip 114 of chip assembly 100 may be relayed to handleassembly 12 (FIG. 1) through adapter assembly 14. In this manner, handleassembly 12 may be automatically programmed to the specificationsrequired for proper operation of circular stapler 10 and for theparticular loading unit 16. Circular stapler 10 may then be used in atraditional manner.

Upon completion of a stapling procedure, loading unit 16 may be removedfrom adapter assembly 130 in the reverse manner from attachment. Asecond or subsequent loading unit (not shown), having the same ordifferent configuration from loading unit 16, may then be attached toadapter assembly 14 of circular stapler 10 in the manner describedabove. It is envisioned that handle assembly 12 will automaticallyreprogram to accommodate the various loading units attached to adapterassembly 14.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-16, an alternative embodiment of a shellmember including a chip assembly according to the present disclosure isshown generally as shell member 40. Shell member 40 is configured toreceive chip assembly 200. Shell member 40 and chip assembly 200 aresubstantially similar to shell member 20 and chip assembly 100, andtherefore, will only be described as relates to the differencestherebetween.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, proximal end 40 a of shell member40 includes a housing 50 formed on an inner surface 41 thereof anddefines a cutout 43 and a notch 45. Housing 50 defines a recess 51configured to receive chip assembly 200 and includes first and secondlongitudinal side walls 50 a, 50 b, and a distal end wall 50 c. Aproximal end of housing 50 is open to permit axial loading of chipassembly 200 within recess 51. Notch 45 is positioned adjacent recess 53of housing 50 and is configured to facilitate loading of chip assembly200 within recess 53.

A lip 52 extending about first and second side walls 50 a, 50 b anddistal wall 50 c of housing 50 is provided for retaining chip assembly200 within recess 51. Lip 52 defines an opening 53 for providing accessto chip assembly 200 from within shell member 40 when chip assembly 200is received within housing 50. Housing 50 is positioned within shellmember 40 such that upon attachment of shell member 40 to distal end 14b of adapter assembly 14 chip assembly 200 aligns with a connectorassembly 230 (FIG. 13) mounted within distal end 14 b of adapterassembly 14. As will be described in further detail below, cutout 43formed in shell member 40 adjacent housing 50 is configured to receive aflanged portion 222 of spring member 220 of chip assembly 200.

With reference still to FIG. 12, chip assembly 200 includes a chipmember 210 and spring member 220. Chip member 210 includes a baseportion 212 and a chip 214. Base portion 212 forms a planar memberconfigured to be received within recess 51 of housing 50 formed on shellmember 40. Base portion 212 is configured to permit the radial movementof chip member 210 with recess 51 of housing 50 to facilitate connectionbetween chip assembly 200 and connector assembly 230.

Chip 214 is sized to be received through opening 53 defined by lip 52 ofhousing 50 formed on shell member 40. Chip 214 includes a plurality ofconnection protrusions 216. Spring member 220 includes flanged portion222 and a biasing portion 224. A first end 222 a of flanged portion 222of spring member 220 is configured to be received within cutout 43 ofshell member 40 and a second end 222 b of flanged portion 222 of springmember 220 is configured to engage lip 52 of housing 50. As will bedescribed in further detail below, flanged portion 222 of spring member220 is configured to secure chip member 210 and biasing portion 224 ofspring member 220 within recess 51 of housing 50. As shown, biasingportion 224 forms a curved member configured to provide a biasing forceagainst chip member 210. The biasing force provided by biasing portion224 against chip member 210 operably positions chip 214 of chip member210 within opening 53 formed by lip 52 of housing 50.

Turning to FIGS. 13 and 14, connector assembly 230 is substantiallyidentical to connector assembly 130. Connector assembly 230 includes abase portion 232 and an extension portion 234. Extension portion 234 ofconnector assembly 230 includes a plurality of connection plates 236.Connection plates 236 correspond to connection protrusion 216 formed onchip 214 of chip assembly 200.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, chip assembly 200 isoperably received within recess 51 of housing 50 of shell member 40. Inparticular, support portion 212 of chip member 210 is received withinrecess 51 of housing 50 through the open proximal end of housing 50 andabuts lip 52 of housing 50. In this manner, chip 214 of chip member 210is positioned within opening 53 formed by lip 52 of housing 50 andconnection protrusions 216 extend beyond lip 52.

Spring member 220 of chip assembly 200 secures chip member 210 withinrecess 51 of housing 50. In particular, first end 222 a of flangedportion 222 of spring member 220 is received within cutout 43 of shellmember 40 and second end 222 b of flanged portion 222 engages lip 52 ofhousing 50. In this manner, first end 222 a of flanged member 222 ofspring member 220 may be forced out of cutout 43 of shell member 40 torelease flanged portion 222 from engagement with housing 50, therebyallowing removal of chip member 210 from recess 51 of housing 50.Although shown as being secured within housing 50 by receipt of firstend 222 a of flanged portion 222 within cutout 43 and engagement ofsecond end 222 b of flanged portion 222 with lip 52, it is envisionedthat spring member 220 may be secured relative to housing 50 using anysuitable means, e.g., bonding, mechanical fastener(s), or the spring 224may not need a securing means (the feature 22 a of spring 224 may reston window 43 in the shell preventing proximal movement). Flanged portion222 is secured relative to housing 50 such that biasing portion 224 ofspring member 220 is received between shell member 40 and base portion212 of base 210. Biasing portion 224 of spring member 220 permitsmovement of chip member 210 radially and/or axially within recess 51 ofhousing 50 to facilitate engagement and alignment of chip member 210with extension portion 234 of connector assembly 230.

Shell member 50 is attached to adapter assembly 14 in substantially thesame manner as shell member 20 is attached to adapter assembly 14. Withreference now to FIGS. 15 and 16, during attachment of shell member 50to adapter assembly 14, shell member 50 and adapter assembly 14 areaxial moved relative to each other to secure tabs 42 (FIG. 11) of shellmember 40 within elongated portions 15 a (FIG. 3) of L-shaped slots 15(FIG. 3) of the bayonet ring. Shell member 50 and adapter assembly 14are then rotated relative to each other to secure tabs 42 withinshortened portions 15 b of L-shaped slots 15. During rotation of shellmember 50 and adapter assembly 14 relative to each other, connectionplates 236 on extension portion 234 of connector assembly 230 engageconnection protrusions 216 on chip 214 of chip member 210 of chipassembly 200. The rounded profile of connection protrusions 216facilitates movement of connector assembly 230 relative to housing 50.During engagement of connection protrusions 216 by connection plates136, biasing portion 224 of support member 220 flexes to permit radialmovement of chip member 210 within recess 51 of housing 50, as indicatedby arrow “F”, thereby further facilitating movement of connectorassembly 230 relative to housing 50. Flexion of biasing portions 224 ofsupport member 220 may also permit axial movement chip member 210 tofacilitate movement of connector assembly 230 relative to housing 50.

It is contemplated that the chip assembly and connector assembly is usedwith a handle assembly and an adapter assembly that is removable fromthe handle assembly, or that the handle assembly has a permanentlyattached elongate portion. Although a circular stapler loading unit isdescribed, it is contemplated that the loading unit can be a linearstapler loading unit, other types of stapler loading units, including oromitting a knife or blade for cutting tissue, or other types of surgicalinstrument loading units (such as, for example, electrosurgical). Inaddition, the loading unit and/r adapter assembly can be used with arobotic surgical system.

The contacts of the connector assembly and/or chip assembly may have avariety of shapes. They may be configured as wiper contacts or othertypes of contacts, and may have a leaf spring shape, U-shape, orhook-like shape.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical stapling device comprising: a handleassembly; an adapter assembly removably and selectively attachable tothe handle assembly and extending from the handle assembly, the adapterassembly including a connector assembly and being configured to transmitactuating forces from the handle assembly; a loading unit removably andselectively attachable to the connector assembly of the adapterassembly, the loading unit including a shell member and a housingextending from an inner surface of the shell member; and a memory chipassembly disposed within the housing of the loading unit and moveablerelative to the shell member to facilitate connection with the connectorassembly of the adapter assembly.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein thechip assembly includes a chip member and a spring member.
 3. The deviceof claim 2, wherein the spring member biases the chip member radiallyinward.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the spring member includes aleaf-spring from biasing the chip member.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the housing includes a lip for retaining the chip assemblywithin a recess formed by the housing.
 6. The device of claim 5, whereinthe lip defines an opening for selectively receiving a portion of thechip assembly therethrough.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the shellmember defines a cutout for radial loading the chip assembly into therecess formed by the housing.
 8. The device of claim 5, wherein thehousing is configured to permit axial loading of the chip assemblywithin the recess formed by the housing.
 9. The device of claim 1,wherein the chip assembly includes a plurality of connection protrusionsconfigured to engage a plurality of connection plates formed on theconnector assembly when the loading unit is attached to the adapterassembly.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the loading unit isconfigured to be secured to the adapter assembly by a bayonet coupling.11. The device of claim 1, wherein the chip assembly includes a chipconfigured to relay a configuration of the loading unit to the handleassembly.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector assembly issecured to a distal end of the adapter assembly.